An Easter Message

I didn’t know what to expect. I knew it was a “hail mary” to send him up to another hospital for care. He didn’t look good when I last saw him. I had nothing to trust in but the hope of my Savior and His resurrection power.

“no guilt in life, no power of death, this is power of Christ in me”

Even if he was still alive, what kind of life would it be? Did we do the right thing in trying to save it? Was Jesus calling him home and I was trying to stop it? Could I interfere with God’s power to take a life? After all, isn’t God sovereign over all things?

“ For theLordAlmighty has purposed,and who can thwart him?His handis stretched out, and who can turn it back?” Isaiah 27:14

They found the tomb empty. He was not there. Where had they taken their master, friend, brother, leader, beloved? The angels declared, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; He has risen! Remember how He told you that He would be turned over to sinful men, be crucified, and rise again on the third day!” Mathew 28, Luke 24

Others came to see the empty tomb, they went away amazed and confused. But Mary Magdalene stayed behind. She sat crying. Suddenly she saw Jesus standing there, but she did not recognize Him at first. Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you crying? Who are you looking for?” Mary thought He must be the gardener and said, “Sir, if you have taken Him away, tell me where, and I will take Him!” Jesus said, “Mary!” Then she recognized Him and exclaimed, “Master!”

Jesus said, “Don’t hold on to me, because I have not yet returned to the Father. But go to my disciples and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.'”

Then Mary Magdalene went and said to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord!”, and she told them everything that had happened.

He had risen! Death had been defeated! Our hope was sure! Our God was faithful!

As I rounded the corner I saw him, sitting up, sipping water and crunching ice chips. How could this be? Wasn’t he just in immediate critical condition? Life hanging in balance. Heart functioning at 15%, Kidneys shutting down, liver incapacitated, breathing tube….. not living. BUT GOD…. “Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Matthew 19:26

I know how Mary Magdalene felt when she knew her master lived! I’m not comparing Jesus resurrection to my beloved’s gift of life but I am declaring that the same resurrection power that raised Jesus up on Easter morning, is the same power that was bestowed upon us all for life eternal! I am saying that because of the resurrection I HAD HOPE! I HAD TRUST! I HAD A REASON TO FOR FAITH!

“You intended to harm me, butGod intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” Genesis 50:20

I have had many opportunities to doubt all things God over the last 3 weeks but by the Mercy and Grace given me, I instead was able to rest in the faith that had been offered to me by God Himself. Instead of doubt there was trust. Instead of deep fear there was oddly peace. Instead of anger there was expectation. Instead of death there was life.

I am not special. I am a broken human being with lots of hang-ups and some pretty messed up life patterns, but all of that is covered in the blood of the cross and the resurrection of Jesus. He died in my place, His righteousness is my righteousness and His life is my hope. It is yours as well. There is no person too far gone that is exempt from the Grace of God. He freely gave his son as the payment of the price of your sin so that you could have your debt erased and be put into a right relationship with the God of all creation. Your only job is to believe and spend the rest of your days living to bring Glory to God!

Aunt Kathi,
I love you! God gives mercy and grace freely to those that desire it! My heart is HIS and HE has chosen to give me faith that endures hardships, HE give it freely. I’m thankful that I can be a testimony to others! Trust God and let Him give you the faith He has for you!
I love you!

Your faith is truly amazing. We do not always know why things happen in life, but we both know God is always there to help us through. I remember the day at the office I got the call about David…I said to Kathi you call Tracy and get her praying and i will call my mother because you both have direct lines to him. He truly is amazing as are you!!!!

The faith I have is a gift from God. I am thankful He has given what I need to endure this, I’m thankful he has given me faith to pray to him when others have hard things to endure! Life is a mystery but God is SURE!
Love you Auntie Jannie!

I truly believe Tracy, that these last several weeks have everything to do with the reason you were given the word “Abide”. John 15:7…..If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.” Jesus keeps His promises. Always trust that. Love you so much. And I was not the least bit surprised to see your post today. The perfect day for such a beautiful Easter message. Love you forever and always.

Abide! We are blessed to be given opportunities to abide…this is not a burden I would choose, but one I would gladly go through again to experience the abiding presence of God over the last 3 weeks! I love you!

You my sweet child, are always amazing to me!! Your faith in God and humanity is always being challenged, yet somehow your relationship with God grows stronger each day. You give me strength, love, knowledge and understanding of how ones relationship with God should be. Though difficult for me at times, I never stop trying. Thank you for sharing your heart today. I love you, Tracy! ❤️🙏